Dear eNews Reader,
We wrapped up our 2025 legislative session on June 17, after many marathon days due to the late state budget. As is usually the case, the session included accomplishments and disappointments, bills that were finally able to pass, and bills that were set aside for additional review. My work is informed by the thousands of emails and phone calls received during the session that provides a clear picture of community sentiment on a variety of issues. I try to stick to the basics of what is needed to promote the public good of our community. Until we return in January, I’ll be working mostly in the District and taking the time to enjoy this beautiful area and all of our diverse summer traditions.
Donna
2025 Legislative Session Concludes
The state budget included many benefits for the Southern Tier, but did not include our long sought-after increase in the Medicaid reimbursement rate for all of our health care providers. Bills were passed to continue our #RescueEMS agenda, but we were unable to come to an agreement on banning food additives, or reducing plastic waste.
We did see a major win for the business community by eliminating the Unemployment Trust Fund debt. The $8B COVID-related debt was being paid back by employers, in spite of their pleas to eliminate this additional expense. New York was one of the last states to pay back this debt to the federal government.
We also worked to increase the State Child Tax Credit. The maximum credit will be raised to $1,000 for children under four for 2025 to 2027, and $500 for children aged 4-16 for 2026 and 2027. This will result in $800B in tax relief. And SUNY Broome will offer free tuition under the NY Opportunity Promise Scholarship Program for students aged 25-55 who enter certain fields in need of a trained workforce.
More on the state budget here.
Legislation Passes in Support of EMS
For the past few years, we’ve been chipping away at our #RescueEMS bill package, making progress along the way. This included allowing EMS to direct bill, and to get paid for treating someone in place, or when bringing them to an alternative location other than a hospital. I’m happy that one of my bills (A2177) passed both houses of the legislature, giving municipalities the option to invest more in EMS without having to consider the tax cap. Two other bills (A8086 and A34) also passed and if signed, will be a real game-changer for many EMS organizations around the state. I’d like to thank Assemblyman Joe Angelino and all of my colleagues who advocated for these changes; it was a real bipartisan effort. We will certainly be continuing this work next session.
Federal Budget Bill to Have Devastating Consequences
Housing Upgrades at Riverside Gardens & Saratoga Heights
Work is officially underway on Riverside Gardens, a new 67-unit complex at the site of the former Davis College. Once complete, this new community will also have a restaurant and recreational areas and will keep the US Post Office and area code- 13737. The project received support from our RESTORE NY program, along with help from the County, the IDA and Empire State Development. Thank you to Dave Drew and Square Deal Partners for their vision.
Read more on Riverside Gardens here.
Additionally, it was recently announced that $46M in funding through NYS Homes & Community Renewal will be going towards the renovation of 11 residential buildings at Saratoga Heights in Binghamton. This financing is made possible with $1B in state funding; part of our five-year, $25B housing plan. Once completed, Saratoga will have 100 units of affordable, modern, energy-efficient housing.
Read more on Saratoga Heights here.
Meeting with M-E Students as Part of Broome Women Lead
I spent time with a great group of Maine-Endwell Central School District students last week. They participated in our months-long Broome Women Lead mentorship program. We would love to replicate this program in other school districts. Thank you to the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Murat, mentors and others for keeping this wonderful initiative going.